LTA issue statement on ban ahead of 2023 Rothesay Open Nottingham

The LTA have issued an update regarding the ban on all Russian and Belarussian players at its events in 2022. It comes ahead of the 2023 Rothesay Open Nottingham which is due to take place at the Nottingham Tennis Centre from Monday 12 June to Sunday 18 June.

The ban intended to send a ‘clear signal’ that actions in Ukraine are the subject of international condemnation. While the LTA stands by its decision to impose the ban, it also led to significant penalties being imposed by the ATP and WTA tours including the real prospect of the termination of our membership if we were to repeat the ban in 2023.

This would mean that professional tennis events would risk being cancelled at Queens, Eastbourne, Birmingham and Nottingham going forward. The LTA stressed that it has ‘consistently opposed these sanctions and remains deeply disappointed by the penalties imposed on us.’ However, it said the effect on British tennis of the LTA being expelled from the tours would be very damaging and far-reaching for the game.

This impact would likely be felt by millions of fans who follow tennis along with coaches, players and venues who rely on the games for visibility and the promotion of the sport.

Russians and Belarusians had been prevented from competing at the LTA’s five ATP events: Queen’s Club, Eastbourne, Surbiton, Nottingham and Ilkley. This decision led to a $1m (£820,000) fine for LTA by the ATP. The statement followed Wimbledon’s similar announcement.

The statement from LTA announced: “Given this, and our responsibility as the national governing body of tennis in Britain, we have worked closely with the UK Government, ATP, WTA and ITF, alongside the All England Club, to find a solution for 2023. We would like to thank all parties for their constructive approach to these discussions.

“Our position in support of the people of Ukraine remains unchanged in 2023 as does our concern around the Russian and Belarusian regimes deriving reputational and other benefits by seeking to associate themselves with players. Nevertheless, we are aware that Russian and Belarusian players have played on the tours as neutrals for the past year.”

“Taking these considerations together, we have agreed that all Russian and Belarusian players and support staff who wish to take part in our events in 2023 will be required to sign neutrality declarations. This is in line with the UK Government’s guidance and is an approach that has been used in other sports.”

This new declaration will be in place from the start of the grass court season at Surbiton. However, there will be a zero-tolerance approach to flags, symbols or other actions supporting Russia or the war from players or spectators.